Fluoridation apparatus



June 29, 1965 R. M. BROWN ETAL 3,191,868

FLUORIDATION APPARATUS Filed Oct. 16, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IIWENTORS ROBERT MBROWN RICHARD LAVINE WILLIAM COLEMAN MARyIN aus vm lav/Map ATTORNEYS June 29, 1965 R. M. BROWN ETAL 3, 8

FLUORIDATION APPARATUS Filed Oct. 16, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS ROBERT M. BROWN RICHARD LAVINE I9 WILLIAM COLEMAN MARVIN ELEVIN F W /L Arm/"I575 United States Patent 3,191,868 FLUORIDATION APPARATUS Robert M. Brown, 3818 Carmona, Los Angeles, Calif.; Richard Lavine, 6441 Bothwell Road, Reseda, Calif; William Coleman, 349 Euclid St., Santa Monica, Calif.; and Marvin E. Levin, 1054 Glenhaven Drive, Pacific Palisades, Calif.

Filed Oct. 16, 1963, Ser. No. 316,768 Claims. (Cl. 239-315) This invention generally relates to apparatus for introducing relatively small amounts of soluble substances into a liquid. More particularly, the invention concerns the introduction of minute parts of fluoride into drinking water for the purpose of maintaining healthy teeth and decreasing the incidence of dental cavities. The apparatus of the present invention is particularly designed for attachment to a faucet or spout, for example, in the kitchen of a home wherein the fluorine compound is introduced into the drinking water at the place and time of usage.

Although the present invention will be described from the standpoint of its function as a fluoridating apparatus, it will be appreciated that the structure disclosed may be employed for other purposes where solubles are to be leached out or released into a flow of liquid. For example, it is conceivable that the apparatus of the present invention could be advantageously used in as different an application as releasing chemical fertilizing materials into irrigation water or the like. Thus, although the present invention will be described from the specific viewpoint of its application to a fluoridating process, it will be understood that the invention would not normally be construed as limited thereto.

Although the relationship between dental health and the chemical substance or element fluorine has been the cause of much experimentation and study for many years, the beneficial elfects of fluorine in certain concentrations has now been fully established, and particularly in creating a lower incidence of dental cavities while at the same time producing no harmful side effects. In this regard, it has been established that the most desirable fluoride concentration in drinking water, for example, is in the proximity of about 1.0 part per million. At this concentration, no mottling effect from the fluorine occurs in connection with the enamel on the teeth. On the other hand, the beneficial action of the fluorine is still eifective.

As a consequence of these conclusions, many fluoridation programs have been set up on a community basis in which fluorine or fluorides have been introduced into a community water supply or at the water purifying plant or facility. However, such communal fluoridation programs are, of course, not available to rural areas or small towns. Furthermore, in certain areas, minority pressure groups have prevented adoption of fluoridation programs.

With the above thoughts in mind, it is the object of the present invention to provide a fluoridation apparatus which is suitable for use by an individual and which can be conveniently installed at the faucet where he obtains his drinking water.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluoridation apparatus which may be economically manufactured, simply maintained, and installed without the necessity of any skilled labor, expensive tools, or disassembling of plumbing systems.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a fluoridation apparatus which is constructed in a manner such that a relatively constant and precise approximation of the amounts of fluoride introduced into the drinking water may be maintained within the limits prescribed by medical authorities.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a fluoridation apparatus which may be conveniently 3,191,868 Patented June 29, 1965 refilled, or recharged, so to speak, after the fluoride used in conjunction therewith has been released to the extent that recharging is necessary.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a fluoridation apparatus of a structure simulating an oversized faucet aerator of relatively small overall dimensions which may be conveniently attached to a household water faucet or spout by the use of any suitable adaptor.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a fluoridation apparatus which may be economically manufactured on a production line basis without the necessity of any expensive tooling and which includes a minimum number of manufactured parts.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are generally obtained by providing a fluoridation apparatus which is designed for attachment to a water faucet and includes a hollow outer casing having an inlet in its upper portion designed for coupling to the water faucet. The casing is provided with an outlet defined in its lower portion.

The hollow outer casing has disposed therein another hollow inner casing. The inner casing is supported in spaced relationship from and within the outer casing and has disposed in it a fluoride releasing substance. Preferably the fluoride releasing substance is in the form of a cartridge or block of magnesium fluoride having interstices or passages therethrough such that portions of the sidewalls of these passages will be dissolved into water flowing therethrough.

As a feature of the present invention, a tubular stem extends through the inner casing at its upward end so as to define an inlet through the inner casing from the interior of the outer casing. The stem has its lower end at a point near the bottom of the inner casing whereby water may pass downwardly through the stem and then upwardly through the passages or interstices of the magnesium fluoride block or cartridge.

The inner casing has at least one upper outlet which functions to communicate with the interior of the outer casing such that after the water flowing therethrough has dissolved a part of the fluoride, it combines with water which may be flowing through the interior of the outer casing and bypassing the inner casing. In this regard, a radially extending space exists between the inner casing and the outer casing defining a conduit for the main path of water flow.

A better understanding of the present invention will be had by reference to the drawings showing merely one illustrative embodiment, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is an exploded view of a fluoridation apparatus for attachment to a faucet or spout, according to the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view through the fluoridation apparatus of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of a magnesium fluoride block or core attached about the tubular stem extending axially therethrough.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG- URE l a fluoridation apparatus according to the present invention including an upper casing portion 10 designed to be attached to a lower casing portion 11, both portions being preferably formed of stainless steel. A flange member 12 is interposed between the upper casing 10 and the lower casing 11 for a purpose that will become clearer as the specification proceeds. "The casing portions 10 and 11 define an outer hollow casing within which is disposed another casing 13, also hollow, which contains a magnesium fluoride block or core 14. The apparatus when assembled is designed to be threaded to a faucet adapter 15 which in turn is sealably coupled to the faucet or spout from which the drinking water is delivered.

Considering the fluoridation apparatus in somewhat more detail, the lower casing portion 11 includes threads at its upper end designed for connection to threading 17 on the upper casing portion 10. The threaded section 16 of the lower casing portion 11 includes a lip 18 designed to receive the flange member 12 as hereafter described. The lower casing portion 11 also defines an outlet 19 for the flow of water therethrough after the fluoride has been introduced therein. The apertures or slits 20 are provided in circumferentially spaced relationship about the lower casing 11 for a purpose that will be clearer as the specification proceeds.

The flange member 12 is provided with a flange portion 21 which is designed to be received upon the lip 18 of the lower casing portion 11 such that the flange member 12 may be supported thereon and may be secured between the upper casing portion 10 and lower casing portion 11 as is clearly shown in the view of FIGURE 2. The flange portion 21 includes diametrically opposed openings 22 through which the fluoridated water is received in a man ner as hereafter described. The flange member has sidewalls 23 in which are formed downwardly extending channels 24 aligned with the openings 22 permitting the flow of water more readily therethrough.

In this regard, the inner casing 13 is provided with outlet tubes 25 designed to be aligned with the openings 22. The outlet tubes have nipples 26, each of which is received within one of the openings 22 in the flange portion 21 such that the inner casing 13 is supported from the outer casing and also such that fluid passing through the outlet openings 25 of the inner casing 13 will flow downwardly through the openings 22 and channels 24 in a manner as clearly shown in the view of FIGURE 2.

In accordance with a feature of the present invention, there is provided in the inner casing 13 an axially extending tubular stem 27 which protrudes above the upper part of the casing 13 and extends down to proximate the interior bottom thereof.

As seen in the view of FIGURE 2, the tubular stem 27 includes at its upper end an inwardly extending annular rim 28 to support a washer 29, as seen in the view of FIGURE 3. The washer 29 functions as a means of adjusting the volume of water flow through the tubular stem 25 down to the bottom of the inner casing 13.

The block or core of magnesium fluoride 14 includes extending axially therethrough a plurality of passages or interstices 30.

The tubular stem 27 has a lower end 31 which communicates with space or area 32 at the bottom of the inner casing or well 13 as seen in the view of FIGURE 2. Fluid passing through the stem 27 passes out the lower end 31 into the space 32 and thereafter upwardly through the passages into an upper space 33 defined at the top of the well or inner casing 13.

The outer casing 11 may be suitably attached to the faucet or drinking spout in any conventional manner. It is preferred to employ a construction as illustrated wherein an annular member 34 is threaded at 35 to the upper casing portion 10 of the outer casing. The annular member 34 constitutes a part of the faucet adapter 15, heretofore identified, and further includes a retainer 36 holding an annular sealing member 37 which is coupled within the spout or outlet portion 38 of a conventional faucet.

The functions and operation of the improved fluoridation apparatus of the present invention may now be described.

It is believed clear that the paths the fluid flow takes are clearly shown in FIGURE 2. Thus, the water flowing down through the spout 38 passes through the adapter 15 into the interior of the upper part of the outer casing portion 10; thereafter, a major proportion of the water will flow around the inner casing 13 and down the sides thereof in the space between the interior sidewalls of the casing portion 11 of the outer casing and the inner casing or well 13 as indicated by the solid line arrows. A small proportion of the water entering into the interior of the outer casing will pass into the stem 27 and through the opening in the washer 29; normally, the washer 29 has its opening designed such that flow therethrough will approximate of the total water flow. It is, of course, evident that the volume of water entering into the tube 27 may be readily adjusted by varying the size of the washer opening 29 with the ultimate result that the fluoride content in the water finally flowing out through the outlet 19 may be also controlled.

A small proportion of water entering the tube 27 flows by gravity, as heretofore mentioned, to the lower end 31 of the tube 27 and thereafter into the bottom portion 32 of the inner casing or well 13. Such water, in turn, flows upwardly through the passages 30 into the area 33 in the upper part of the well and thereafter outwardly through the outlet tubes 25.

- The functions of the well or inner casing 13 form an important part of the present invention. It will be noted that the outlet tubes 25 and reduced ends 26 thereof are supported, as heretofore described, in the flange portion 21 of the flange member 12. By providing the flange portion 21 with the openings 22 therein, it is possible to isolate the water flowing from the inner casing 13, as indicated by the solid line arrows. In other words, if the flange portion 21 were not provided, the flow of the main body of water as indicated by the solid lines about the sidewalls of the casing 13 would create a reduced pressure area about the outlet tubes 25 wherein a siphoning action would occur which would not enable precise flow control of water from the casing 13. Thus, the flange portion 21 and openings 22 therein isolate the outflow from the well 13 so that precise control of the amount of fluoride contained in the outflowing water is maintained.

The manner in which the fluoride is released into the water may now be described in some detail. For purposes of illustration, a magnesium fluoride core or block 14 has been shown. Preferably this block is formed of sintered magnesium fluoride with some type of organic binder material in a conventional manner. It is desirable that the block, as such, have some type of porosity; however, the primary purpose is to have a maximum surface area to volume ratio so as to attain desired leaching or releasing of the fluoride ion to the maximum degree.

As heretofore mentioned, the block is preferably formed of magnesium fluoride. Magnesium fluoride upon contact with water will release the fluoride ion in accordance with the equation as herein set forth:

The amount of magnesium fluoride, MgF which will dissolve in any given volume of water is known and varies only slightly with different characteristics of ordinary tap water such as temperature, pH, and total hardness. The maximum solubility (saturation) for magnesium fluoride has been determined under various water conditions to have a value of 90.5 parts per million (F-): -15%. Because the solution in the inner casing 13 is seldom in a completely static state with respect to the volume of water that remains in contact with the block 14, equilibrium or saturation is almost never attained.

Although some variation will occur in the ultimate p.p.m., or fluoride content in the water passing through the outlet 19, the degree of this variation is only slight and may be controlled within safe limits by the proper ad justment of the size of the washer 29. Furthermore, as it has heretofore been mentioned, it is to be emphasized that the outflow of water through the outlet openings 25 from the inner casing 13 is dependent upon the volume but not the rate of the inflow of water into the unit. Also, with respect to the flow characteristics, it should be mentioned that the slits or apertures 20 are provided for equalization of pressure by enabling air to be drawn in.

It will be appreciated that many other forms of mag;

nesium fluoride may be used rather than the block or core form shown. For example, crystals, spaced discs, and the like have been employed with varying success. At the present time, it is felt that the block or core is preferable as illustrative of the desired construction. However, the particular construction and form of the magnesium fluoride releasing material may be varied as heretofore mentioned, although it is desirable to use MgF because of its slight solubility factor.

It will be noted that the inner casing as a unit may be replaced in the event the eifectiveness of the fluoride core has decreased.

It will also be appreciated that various details of the fluoridating apparatus may be changed without departing from the basic concept and spirit of the invention in providing a relatively constant and precise controlled amount of fluoride to flow into drinking water. In this regard, for example, the flange instead of being a separate member may be provided as an integral part of the inner casing to protrude radially therefrom. These variations in construction and the concept are believed to be fully set forth and covered in the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A fluoridation apparatus for attachment to a water faucet, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a hollow outer casing having an inlet in its upper portion designed for coupling to said water faucet;

(b) an outlet in the lower portion of said outer casing,

(c) a hollow inner casing disposed within said outer casing;

(d) means supporting said inner casing in spaced relationship from said outer casing, the space between said inner casing and outer casing defining a conduit for water flow;

(e) a chemical releasing substance disposed in said inner casing and having passages therethrough;

(f) at least one outlet and one inlet in said inner casing, said chemical releasing substance being interposed in series between said inlet and outlet of said inner casing cofunctioning therewith such that the water flowing through said inner casing must reverse its direction of flow;

(g) means communicating between said outlet from said inner casing and said conduit, whereby the water flowing through said chemical releasing substance combines with the water flowing through said conduit to pass from the outlet of said outer casing.

2. A fluoridation apparatus for attachment to a water faucet, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a hollow outer casing having an inlet in its upper portion designed for coupling to said water faucet;

(b) an outlet in the lower portion of said outer casing;

(c) a hollow inner casing disposed within said outer casing;

((1) means supporting said inner casing in spaced relationship from said outer casing, the space between said inner casing and outer casing defining a conduit for water flow;

(e) a chemical releasing substance disposed in said inner casing and having passages therethrough;

(f) a tubular stem having one end extending axially upwardly through said inner casing to define an inlet thereto from the interior of said outer casing, said stem having its other end extend to a point near the bottom of the interior of said inner casing, whereby a part of said water may pass downwardly through said stem and then upwardly through said passages;

(g) at least one upper outlet from said inner casing disposed radially outwardly of said inlet, said outlet communicating with said conduit;

(h) whereby the water flowing through said chemical releasing agent in said inner casing combines with the water flowing through said conduit.

3. The combination, according to claim 2, in which said means supporting said inner casing in spaced relationship from said outer casing, comprises a flange extending radially inwardly in depending relationship from said outer casing, said flange defining apertures therethrough communicating with said upper outlet whereby flow through said upper outlet is isolated from flow through said conduit, said flange defining further a downwardly depending wall spaced from the interior sidewalls of said outer casing to further isolate water in said conduit from water flowing through said inner casing outlet.

4. The combination, according to claim 2, in which said tubular stem has at said one end a means of regulating fluid flow therethrough.

5. The combination, according to claim 4, in which said means for regulating fluid flow therethrough comprises a washer-like element.

6. A fluoridation apparatus for attachment to a water faucet, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a hollow outer casing having an inlet in its upper portion designed for coupling to said water faucet;

(b) an outlet in the lower portion of said casing;

(c) a hollow inner casing disposed within said outer casing;

(d) means supporting said inner casing in spaced relationship from said outer casing, the space between said inner casing and outer casing defining a conduit for water flow;

(e) a chemical releasing substance disposed in said inner casing and having passages therethrough;

(f) an inlet to said inner casing and an outlet therefrom, said chemical releasing substance being interposed in series with said inlet and outlet;

(g) said means supporting said inner casing defining an opening communicating with the outlet from said inner casing; and,

(h) means isolating said opening from said conduit whereby decreased pressure resulting from fluid flow through said conduit will not draw water through said outlet opening from said inner casing.

7. A fluoridation apparatus for attachment to a water faucet, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a hollow outer casing having an inlet in its upper portion designed for coupling to said water faucet;

(b) an outlet in the lower portion of said outer casing;

(c) a hollow inner casing disposed within said outer casing; I

(d) means supporting said inner casing in spaced relationship from said outer casing, the space between said inner casing and outer casing defining a conduit for water flow;

(e) a fluoride releasing substance disposed in said inner casing and having passages therethrough;

(f) an outlet and inlet communicating in series through said inner casing with said fluoride releasing substance, said inlet, outlet, and fluoride releasing substance being arranged to co-function independently of water flow rate through said inner to said outer casing but solely in response to volume of water passing thereinto, said water being discharged from said inner casing in proportion to volume of water entering into said casing;

(g) whereby the volume of fluoridated water passing out of said inner casing is relatively constant regardless of flow rate and is thereafter combined with the water passing through said conduit.

8. A fluoridation apparatus for attachment to a water faucet, according to claim 7, and means in said inlet to said inner casing for regulating the volume of water passing thereinto.

9. A fluoridation apparatus, according to claim 3, in which said inner casing has outlet tubes protruding therefrom designed to be supported on said flange member, said flange member having openings therein to accommodate said tubes.

10. A fluoridation apparatus, according to claim 9, in which said flange member has a downwardly depending wall spaced from the inner sidewalls of said outer casing to separate water flow through said outlet openings of said inner casing from the water flow through said conduit.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,532,809 4/25 Girard 2393 15 8 Pearl 239315 Butterfield 239312 Ellinger et a1. 239317 Wenker 2393 14 Webb 239310 Gentry 2393 15 Palmer 239317 M. HENSON WOOD, 111., Primary Examiner.

8/28 Pike 239310 10 EVERETT W. KIRBY, Examiner. 

1. A FLUORIDATION APPARATUS FOR ATTACHMENT TO A WATER FAUCET, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING: (A) A HOLLOW OUTER CASING HAVING AN INLET IN ITS UPPER PORTION DESIGNED FOR COUPLING TO SAID WATER FAUCET; (B) AN OUTLET IN THE LOWER PORTION OF SAID OUTER CASING, (C) A HOLLOW INNER CASING DISPOSED WITHIN SAID OUTER CASING; (D) MEANS SUPPORTING SAID INNER CASING IN SPACED RELATIONSHIP FROM SAID OUTER CASING, THE SAPCE BETWEEN SAID INNER CASING AND OUTER CASING DEFINING A CONDUIT FOR WATER FLOW, (E) A CHEMICAL RELEASING SUBSTANCE DISPOSED IN SAID INNER CASING AND HAVING PASSAGES THERETHROUGH; (F) AT LEAST ONE OUTLET AND ONE INLET IN SAID INNER CASING, SAID CHEMICAL RELEASING SUBSTANCE BEING INTERPOSED IN SERIES BETWEEN SAID INLET AND OUTLET OF SAID INNER CASING COFUNCTIONING THEREWITH SUCH THAT THE WATER FLOWING THROUGH SAID INNER CASING MUST REVERSE ITS DIRECTION OF FLOW; (G) MEANS COMMUNICATING BETWEEN SAID OUTLET FROM SAID INNER CASING AND SAID CONDUIT, WHEREBY THE WATER FLOWING THROUGH SAID CHEMICAL RELEASING SUBSTANCE COMBINES WITH THE WATER FLOWING THROUGH SAID CONDUIT TO PASS FROM THE OUTLET OF SAID OUTER CASING. 